CHELSEA'S boss may be just passing through, but that has not stopped him expressing a sense of pride at having two of his players nominated for a player of the year award.

Juan Mata (pictured) and Eden Hazard are both on the shortlist for the PFA's annual award – won last year by Robin Van Persie – and Rafael Benitez could not be happier.

“I'm really pleased because I think that they've shown the level of quality they have during the season, and I'm not surprised. I'm really pleased and really proud of them.”

Benitez has not had Romelu Lukaku under his wing during his short tenure at Stamford Bridge – the Belgian striker having been loaned out to West Brom this season. But the Spaniard also had positive words about a player who has made the PFA's young player of the year shortlist.

“Lukaku I think did really well and I appreciate why he's nominated,” Benitez said.